Safety signaling apparatus



Jan. 22, 1929. 1,699,626

T. J. OLSON SAFETY S IGNALING APPARATUS Filed March 2, 1926.

Patented Jan. 22, 1929.,

STATES PATET FFICE.

THOMAS J. OLSON, OF NEW ROCKFORD, NORTH DAKOTA.

SAFETY SIGNALING AIPARA'IUS.

Application filed. March 2,1926. Serial No. 91,750.

This invention relates to an improved safety signaling device for use by firemen, mine rescue workers,- and others who are at times obliged to enter burning places where there is a possibility buildings or other of becoming imprisoned and endangering their own lives.

When a fireman or other to enter a building or other gerous he will have some worker is obliged place that 1s danway of, signaling his companions in reference to any difficulties he may encounter and with especial reference to informing his companions of his whereabouts, as for instance if he feels that he is about to be overcome by smoke or if he has a gas mask on and cannot return to safety or call to his companions, ence of mind enough which Wlll start the bell r he will still have presto snap the switch on inging. and which bell is loud enough to notify his companions that he is in distress and the sound of the bell will give his companions an opportunity of locating him and rescuing him from his predicament. The device may also be used by the fireman or other worker in calling to for instance if a building'with his that are overcome he finds one or more of them and he cannot call to his companions and needs assistance, he can turn on the switch of his distress signal and help that is forthcoming Wlll. know where the help 1s needed and the fireman or worker will nity to save the lives of the deavored to rescue.

It is an object of the pr provide such a device of a p of such size have an opportupersons he has onesent invention to ortable nature and as may be readily carried upon a belt or otherwise by the rescue worker, without in any way hinderin 0 his movements.

The device is adapted to be so shaped as to conform to the curvature of the body, and

will be worn much as the conventional firstaid packet.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a signaling comprising an electric device as above noted, bell and switch mounted within convenient reach of the operator,

and batteries for the oper ation of such bell suitably carried within a waterproof casing.

Another device which is and effective in use.

ther important obJects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description, reference being had to the acompanying drawings, wherein like numerals are employed to desig nate like parts throughout.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of .a signaling device construted in accordance with the invention, and shown as mounted upon a supporting belt,

Fig. 2 is a face view of the device, the battery compartment shown in section, and,

Fig. 3 is a central, vertical, transverse section of the device.

' Referring specifically to the drawings, the numeral 5 designates the base member, of the signal mechanism. Asclearly shown, this base member formed concave upon its rear face, and is adapted to be'riveted'o'r otherwise suitably attached to a supporting belt 6. The supporting belt 6 in this instance is of a type worn by rescue workers, and is equipped, (not shown), with the several appurtenances incident to such work. It will be obvious, however, that the device might just readily be supported by a shoulder harness. The base is adapted to be formed of any suitable material, such as phenolic condensation product, fiber, wood, or othercomposition material light in weight.

Rigidly mounted upon the face of the base 5 is a rectangular metallic battery casing 7, bolted to base 5, as at 8. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, this casing formed open at its bottom, and is adapted to be closed by a door 9, hinged as at 10 to the rear wall of the pasing. The casing 7 is adapted to receive and support a pair of electric batteries 11, similar to the conventional C battery employed in radio work; The batteries 11 are equipped with the usual flexible connections 12.

A bell 13 is supported upon the face of the base 5, above the battery casing, and a switch 1% is likewise mounted upon the base 5 opposite the bell 13. The switch 14 is of conventional snap nature,

Means are employed to electrically connect the batteries with the bell and switch, comprising a pair of metallic contact strips 15, suitably supported by and insulated from the door 9. These contacts 15 are adapted to forcibly engage the connection 12 when the door is in the closed position. Insulated wires 16 and 17 are connected with the strips 15, as at 18, and these wires are coiled to permit the swinging of the door. The wire 16 is suitably passed through the base 5, and has connection with the bell 13, while the wire 17 has like connection with the switch 14. The switch 14 and bell 13 are connectedby means of a Wire 19. The wires 16, 17 and 19 may be embedded in the material of the base, or the base may be suitably drilled for the passage oi such wires. A strip contact member 20 is carried by the door 9, and establishes connection between the plus and minus terminals of the batteries, as shown. The door 9 is suitably, rigidly retained in the closed position by means of a screw 21, although many different means may be employed tor holding the door in positive closed position.

In operation, when it is desired to sound the signal, the operator merely reaches to his side and snaps on the switch 14. The bell will then start ringing, and continue to do so until either the switch is again manipulated or the batteries have become exhausted. To renew the batteries, it is only necessary to open the door 9, permitting the batteries to drop out, and insert new batteries. The door is then closed to make the necessary electrical connections.

It will be observed from the foregoing,

that an extremely simple and efficient alarm device has been provided. The parts are few and simple, having no movement to cause wear or become .disarranged. The battery casing is eti'ect-ually waterproof against falling water, and the means for electrically connecting the batteries avoids the necessity of wiring such batteries at assembly.

It is to be understooo that the invention is not limited to the precise construction set forth but that it includes within its purview whatever changes fairly come within either the terms or the spirit of the appended claim.

Having described my invention, what I claim is:

A device 01' the character described comprising a body encircling member, a base plate supported thereon, said base plate formed concave upon its rear face for conforming to the curvature of the body of the wearer, an electric signaling element supported upon said base, said signalingelement comprising a battery, a switch of the fixed position type and an audible signaling memher.

In testimony whereof I atlii: my signature.

THOMAS J. OLSON. 

